Kieswetter ready for ‘hot air’ treatment

Craig Kieswetter is ready to deal with the “hot air” if South Africa decide it is time to remind him of his roots when he walks out to open for England against his native country on Saturday.

The prize for the winners on Saturday is the probability of a semi-final place but Kieswetter will be fazed by neither the occasion nor the opponents, and said: “I’ve played against a lot of opposition where there is a lot of chatter. It’s usually just hot air, so I will just try to focus on my role.”

Craig Kieswetter

England beat South Africa by five wickets in their warm-up match at the same venue.

There were no pointed remarks then aimed at either Kieswetter or his fellow South Africa-born opener Michael Lumb .

The wicketkeeper-batsman acknowledges it may be different this time, but insists it will not put him off.

“There was nothing at all; they were obviously just trying to get themselves ready for this World Cup,” he added.

“Obviously there is a lot riding on Saturday, another Super Eight game.

“There is bound to be hype around me for this game. But I have to try to focus on my job in the side.

“It’s not really an issue for me. It is another game for England, and one I’m excited about and determined to do my role as well as I can.”